Gunman Tackled at WHCA Dinner Checkpoint

A gunman armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives charged a Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House Correspondents Association dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night around 8:36 p.m., exchanging gunfire with officers and prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members.

Law enforcement officials said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was tackled and taken into custody at the scene without being shot. He had been staying as a guest at the hotel. A Secret Service Uniformed Division officer was struck in the bulletproof vest during the exchange and was treated at a hospital before being released in stable condition. Officials believe Allen acted alone, though his motive remains under investigation. He faces federal charges including assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence, with an arraignment scheduled for Monday.

The incident unfolded early in the event, which drew about 2,600 guests including journalists, lawmakers and administration officials. Witnesses described panic in the...